Proven analytical instruments

Petrochemical analysis can be challenging due to difficult matrices, a wide range of contaminants, and sensitivity requirements. We offer the broadest portfolio of laboratory analytical instrumentation in the industry that work together to enhance your analytical capabilities and streamline your processes.

Digital Rock solutions provide insights that help operators and geoscientists improve reservoir characterization while also aiding cost-effective ultimate recovery and enhancing production predictability in a variety of conventional and unconventional plays.

Petroleum and natural gas workflows

Exploration and production

The upstream oil and gas sector encompasses both exploration and production of the fuels. Specifically, it includes searching for potential underground or underwater crude oil and natural gas fields, exploratory drilling, and established drill operations that bring the natural gas and crude oil to the surface.

Figure 1. The distribution of terpanes (biomarkers used in estimating the economics of crude by analyzing the oil-source rock as an indicator of source, maturity, migration, and biodegradation) in the aliphatic hydrocarbon fraction of crude oil samples. Analysis was performed using a Thermo Scientific™ DFS™ high resolution GC-MS (or equivalent Q Exactive GC Orbitrap GC-MS/MS) equipped with a multiple ion detector.

Figure 2. Determination of the boiling point range of gasoline with ethanol by ASTM D7096 simulated distillation. Samples were analyzed using a TRACE 1300 Series GC.

The upstream oil and gas sector refers to exploration and production. This sector includes searching for potential underground or underwater crude oil and natural gas fields, exploratory drilling, and established drill operations that bring the natural gas and crude oil to the surface.

Recommended products

Transportation and custody transfer

The midstream oil and gas sector refers to the transportation, storage, and wholesale marketing of natural gas, crude, or refined petroleum products. Pipelines, rail cars, and ships are used to move crude oil and natural gas from production sites to refineries and deliver the various refined products to downstream distributors.

Any time natural gas changes hands - from initial release at the drill site until it reaches the end user - it is tested twice, by both the seller and buyer. The test results are compared as a critical quality control step in the process.

Figure 3. Determination of the calorific value of natural gas liquids (NGLs) by a TRACE 1300 Series GC with a thermal conductivity detector by GPA Method 2177.

Figure 4. Analysis of corrosive oxygenates in LPGs and other light hydrocarbons samples by a TRACE 1310 Series GC by ASTM D7423.

Figure 5. Analysis of aromatics (used to boost octane levels in gasoline) is shown without backflush (left) and with backflush (right). In the right chromatogram the heavier matrix components are eliminated, leaving the column and detector cleaner. Analysis was performed using a TRACE 1310 Series GC with FID detector and Thermo Scientific™ TraceGOLD™ GC capillary column.

Figure 6. Analysis of trace elements in naphtha. Results for the spiked naphtha with relative standard deviation % (RSD %) of the three replicate measurements are within acceptable limits.